City has not found ‘right candidate’ for finance director

New Albany officials continue to seek a new finance director after being turned down by their final candidate for the job.

“We’re still searching,” said City Manager Joseph Stefanov. “We haven’t found the right candidate yet.”

Former Finance Director James Nicholson resigned in June. Through August, the city accepted 37 applications for vacant position, which has been filled in the interim by Assistant Finance Director Vicki McKinney.

City officials narrowed the list to eight and conducted first-round interviews. Meghan Needham of Westerville, senior manager with the Julian and Grube accounting and auditing firm of Westerville, and Randy Gillespie of Zionsville, Ind., chief financial officer and deputy commissioner of the Indiana Department of Workforce Development in Indianapolis, were called back for second interviews.

“The position was offered to (Needham) but she decided to remain with her current employer after discussing the offer with them,” said city spokesman Scott McAfee.

Stefanov said the city again is accepting applications and may have to look at other options for 2013, including contracting for help.

“We may have to go back out and advertise again in a year or so,” Stefanov said.

Stefanov said the city is seeking a candidate with communication skills, leadership skills and interpersonal skills.